Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

CR3 are currently representing a global technology business that develops innovative software solutions for the education sector. Their products are used by schools, colleges and organisations worldwide to create safer digital learning environments through cloud-based technology, cybersecurity and safeguarding solutions. Following continued growth, they are now looking to appoint an experienced Chief Technology Officer to join their executive leadership team and shape the future direction of the business.

The Role

This is a key executive appointment reporting directly to the CEO, responsible for leading the company's overall technology strategy and ensuring its products, platforms and infrastructure continue to support business growth, operational excellence and customer success.

The successful candidate will oversee Product Management, Software Engineering, Quality Assurance and Infrastructure, driving the delivery of secure, scalable and commercially successful technology solutions. This role requires a strategic technology leader with strong technical expertise across software, cloud infrastructure, networking and cybersecurity, combined with the ability to lead teams, influence senior stakeholders and drive innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Technology Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute the company's technology vision, strategy and roadmap in alignment with business objectives and growth plans.

• Act as a trusted technology partner to the executive leadership team, providing insight on opportunities, risks and investment decisions.

• Identify emerging technologies and innovation opportunities to maintain a competitive advantage.

• Lead technical due diligence for potential partnerships and acquisitions.

• Manage technology budgets, investment planning and resource allocation.

• Establish technology governance, standards, policies and best practices.

Product Management

• Lead the Product Management function across multiple products and platforms.

• Define product strategy, roadmaps, prioritisation frameworks and lifecycle management processes.

• Ensure products meet customer needs, market requirements and commercial objectives.

• Work closely with customers, sales, operational and go-to-market teams to identify opportunities.

• Balance innovation, platform improvements, technical debt reduction and customer-driven development.

Software Engineering

• Lead engineering teams responsible for software architecture, development, integration and maintenance.

• Establish scalable development methodologies and engineering best practices.

• Ensure delivery of secure, reliable, maintainable and high-performing software solutions.

• Promote DevOps, automation, continuous delivery and modern software engineering approaches.

• Oversee technical architecture and technology stack decisions.

Quality Assurance

• Drive high-quality software delivery through effective testing and quality assurance processes.

• Establish robust release management and testing standards.

• Ensure products meet performance, reliability, security and compliance requirements.

• Monitor quality metrics and continuously improve customer experience.

Infrastructure & Operations

• Lead the design, management and optimisation of cloud, hybrid-cloud and on-premise infrastructure.

• Ensure technology platforms support scalability, resilience, availability and security.

• Oversee network architecture, connectivity, hosting, data centres and hardware platforms.

• Ensure effective disaster recovery, backup, business continuity and operational resilience planning.

• Monitor infrastructure performance against agreed service levels.

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Develop and implement cybersecurity strategies, controls and risk management practices.

• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory, contractual and industry requirements.

• Oversee vulnerability management, security monitoring, incident response and risk mitigation.

• Promote a security-first culture across the organisation.

Leadership & Team Development

• Build, lead, mentor and develop high-performing technology teams.

• Create a collaborative, inclusive and results-focused culture.

• Develop succession plans and capability frameworks across technology functions.

• Establish clear objectives, performance expectations and accountability measures.

• Encourage collaboration between product, engineering, operations, commercial and customer teams.

Stakeholder Management

• Communicate technology strategy and progress to executive leadership, board members, investors and customers.

• Build strong relationships with technology partners, vendors and strategic suppliers.

• Represent the business at customer meetings, industry events and technology forums.